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Book
website
http://www.prenhall.com/sarason/
Syllabus: Spring 2007
PSY 241T-2 Abnormal
Psychology Dr.
James Rodgers
(007329) Professor
of Psychology
Thursdays 6-8:50 PM
Office: 209 Grundy Hall
Grundy Hall
202
Office Hours: MWF12-1;
3 semester hours
T,Th 10-11
Telephone: 296-2320 X1737(+ voice
mail)
email: jdrodgers@hawkeyecollege.edu
This
syllabus is available online at the HCC webpage under “faculty webpages”
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Survey of the major classifications of psychological disorders.
Emphasis will be on theoretical perspectives, descriptions of disorders, and
therapeutic approaches.An
introduction to psychopathology. A
survey of the major classifications of psychological disorders. Emphasis will be on theoretical perspectives,
descriptions of disorders, and therapeutic approaches.
Pre-requisite: PY 100T
General Psychology or equivalent.
TEXT Abnormal
psychology. The problem of maladaptive behavior. (11th)
Sarason,
I. & Sarason, B. Prentice-Hall:2005.
COURSE
OBJECTIVES: 1.To demonstrate a developed
understanding of the classifications of psychological disorders.
2. To
understand basic psychological perspectives as they relate to abnormal
behavior.
3. To
respond to questions designed to measure a developed awareness of the basic
facts, concepts, terminology, and theoretical perspectives of abnormal
behavior.
4. To
provide an overview of therapeutic approaches to treating psychological
disorders.
5. To
develop awareness and sensitivity to mental illness.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
Class Attendance Policy: Attendance is expected in order for the
student to derive the
full benefit of the course. Attendance will be taken and used in
the computation of final
course grade as part of class participation. No unexcused absences per term. Unexcused
absences will result in the overall
grade percentage being reduced 5% per absence. At any time the number of
absences (both excused and unexcused) exceed 25% of the total for the course,
the student can expect to receive a failing grade. A student may be dropped
from the course for excessive absence. It is the student's responsibility to
get the notes, make up work, etc. for absences. College closing/bad weather/instructor absence: Class meetings can occasionally be called off owing to bad weather,
instructor absence for illness, or a weather closing. Students should know that
in any cancelled class situation, deadlines for tests/papers/projects, etc.
will be in effect for the next scheduled class date. Read according to the
reading schedule below. Course Requirements: 1. attendance/participation 2.
examinations 3. research paper/project 4. assignments (as specified) 5.
participation in research projects (as specified) Examinations/Evaluation
Plan: 4 tests will be administered according to the exam schedule below.
Exams will be of mixed format (e.g., multiple-choice, short-answer essay, etc.)
over the chapters specified below and lectures. Exact format will be announced
in class. Pop quizzes may be given at any time. Pop quizzes are usually triggered
by poor attendance and/or evidence of poor student reading. Course format
(Instructional methodologies): The course will consist of a mixed format of
lecture, discussion, demonstration, and media presentation. As students will
often be called upon to discuss the text reading, it is STRONGLY recommended
that students read according to the reading schedule below.
GRADING: Final grades will be based on
total points on all exams/papers/assignments. Each exam = 20% DSM-IV paper (including article review) =
20% (N.B.-- assignments, if any, will be
weighted as announced.) The final grade
distribution will approximate:
A = 90% and
above D = 50 - 59%
B = 80% - 89% F = 49% and below
C = 60 - 79%
N.B.--The instructor reserves the right to adjust the curve down
(e.g., A = 85-100, etc.)
but not up. Late assignments reduce grade by 20% per day. Pop
quizzes may be given at any time.Course
context:
The social sciences in general, and psychology in particular, study in entire human drama. As such, it is important to understand that
classroom discussion may cover issues that some students may find touchy. Discussions are often explicit in material
and conduct. Thus be aware of the
following: Explicit material and content may be covered in this class. Topics may include: mental disorder, abuse,
criminality, violence, abortion, addictions, human sexuality, etc. If a student is uncomfortable with
the course content, or if they
have questions, please seek the advice of the instructor. Classroom conduct: In a community of scholars, norms have
evolved for the benefit of all. While orderly discussion and healthy debate are
strongly encouraged, it must be remembered that issues may elicit strong, even
emotional, reactions from students. Students will have diverse opinions on the
issues and students need to respect other person's points of view. Students may
not necessarily agree with all the points made in class, but at least respect
others enough to listen and add comments. No one in the class has all the
answers. The hallmark of a scholar is respect. Students are asked to refrain from coming late; from talking during
class (except for discussion sessions); from eating/drinking/using tobacco
products during class; and from doing non-related coursework. No cell phones---turn them off. Class
participation: Participation in class
discussion(s) is expected.Participation will be evaluated on the following criteria:
mastery of content/reading, use of appropriate technical vocabulary,
demonstration of knowledge of the relevant psychological principle(s),
exhibition of a positive attitude, integration of information from several
theories, critically analyzing textual/lecture material and demonstrating an
increasing grasp of the use of psychological principles in everyday life. Make-up Tests/Exams: One day is set aside at the
end of the semester for the purpose of making up all tests. The date is noted
in the course schedule below. All exams
missed (for whatever reason)during the semester must be made up on that
specific date. No more than one make-up may be taken on this day If you need more than one make-ip, come in
during office hours. Student needs statement:
specific needs. Disability
notice: Students are welcome in all categories of disability. Any student
will be accommodated for
accommodation as regards to
affording equal educational opportunity. If you have a disability which may
require consideration by the instructor, you should offer information in
writing, which includes suggestions for assistance in participating in and
completing course requirements. They should accomplish this no later than the
end of the second week of classes. Student
Assistance: Assistance is available to
those
students experiencing
difficulty with this course (or other courses) by contacting the
instructor. Tutoring services as well as
a wide variety of specialized services ( including
COURSE SCHEDULE AND OUTLINE: (Topics listed relate to chapters in text)
N.B.----On test dates, we will
start with the test and then cover additional material as needed. Otherwise, use remaining time for your term
paper research.
DATE TOPIC
1/11
Introduction/models/diagnosis
1/18
Historical bases/methods
1/25
theoretical perspectives/stress/assessment
2/1 EXAM 1
(intro/dx/hx/theory) (
2/8
Somatoform/dissociative disorders
2/15
Sexual/personality disorders
2/22 EXAM 2(anxiety/somataform/dissociative/sexual/person)(Mood
disorders follows)
3/1 Mood
disorders
3/8 Mood
disorders/Childhood disorders
3/15 no class
3/22
Developmental disorders/MR
3/29 ***possible
no class--conference
4/5 EXAM
3 (mood/childhood/dd) (Ch. 11 Schizo. follows)
4/12
Schizophrenia ****Papers are Due*****
4/19
Schizophrenia/organic disorders
4/26 Therapy
5/3 (6pm) Final= EXAM 4 (schizophrenia/organic/therapy) and make-up day
CAVEAT----The above schedule and
procedures in this course are subject to change in
the event of extenuating circumstances. Any changes will be
announced in class. Most recent syllabus is available online. Most recent
syllabus is online.